Six Simple Web Tools that I Can't Live Without

What did we do without the internet? I'm not sure. Although life did seem simpler and slower...I'm not sure how I survived without: a way to find any recipe known to man, a way to connect to my friends and relatives, or a way to write collaboratively with others who live across the country (or across the hall).

Although my list of favorite web based communicaiton tools continues to evolve, here is my list, as it stands right now...in order...with the best tool first.

1. Google Docs Create and edit web-based documents, spreadsheets, and presentations. Store documents online and access them from any computer. Tour If you are not familiar with the Google family tree ...might be worth a peek: http://www.google.com/intl/en/options/


2. Google Forms. Technically this is a piece of Google Docs, but it is so fabulous that it deserves its own line. Google Forms is essentially a ramped up "CCE Formbuilder" for those of you who remember that one... Since w no longer have access to formbuilder...Google Forms is essential for on-line registration, ordering products or materials, surveying your leaders...etc. Tour


3. Blogs. Blogger or Word Press. Blogs started out as an "on-line diary" but have grown to be photojournals, collaborative work spaces, promotional tools...etc. The benefit of using one of these blogs is that they are simple to set up, free, and offer you a work shared work environment (one person isn't holding the responsibility for promoting everyone's work). The other benefit is that they are not on you server...so if something happens...you have a back up plan. Blogger is a much simpler tool, but is limited (can't post documents), Word Press is a little more complex, but it is also the blogging tool currently supported by CCE admin - so there is help if needed.
4. Facebook. Lots of opportunities here. Promoting programs, connecting to people, connecting the dots. What I do: let folks know what I'm doing via updates (this sometimes connects personal and professional ), create groups around topics or programs or activities, post pictures. Since so many folks FB...this is a great way to get the word around.
   
5. Picasa or Flickr. A picture tells a thousands words. Upload the right pics. Keep a camera with you. Share. I like both. Flickr connects to Word Press, Picasa to Blogger. There are likely ways to make them all work together, but this has been my experience.
   
6. RSS Reader. An RSS reader will sift through the internet for you, searching for the content you are interested in. If you tighten your search just right - this can save you a fair amount of time and deliver good information.

Couple of side notes:

NYS 4-H Resource Directory. Still alive and kicking...the RD will get some new content this semester. Please do promote this resource to your staff, volunteers and teachers.

*Note the absense of "wiki"...in my opinion Google Docs takes this role on but...wikis are still a collaborative writing/web site option. https://plans.pbworks.com/academic